LOVE YOUR BONES

World Osteoporosis Day is on October 20, so brush up on some facts you may not know

- AMBER BRAMBLE

We often associate bones with the dusty skeletons we see in museums. But the bones in our bodies are living organs that are constantly being rebuilt. They also have their own blood vessels and cells, including osteoclasts, which break down bone and absorb it into your bloodstream, and osteoblasts, which build new bone. In fact, bones do a lot more than we think, so here’s more reasons to show them some love …

STRONG SUIT

Our bones need to withstand some pretty heavy-duty use, and gram for gram are stronger than steel! They’re primarily made out of collagen, which provides their framework, and calcium phosphate, which keeps them hard and strong. Our bones need a range of nutrients to stay healthy, including calcium, magnesium, protein, and vitamin D, so it’s important to eat a varied diet from all the food groups.

HORMONES PLAY A ROLE